You have probably herd about the plant of a ginger family, which is called turmeric. Turmeric is native in southeast India. First it was used as a dye and then as a medicinal remedy. In Sanskrit it is called “Haridra”- “The Yellow One”, “Gauri” - “The One Whose Face is Light and Shining”, “Kanchani” - “Golden Goddess”, and Aushadhi - “Herb”. People knew about health benefits of turmeric and it was valued more than gold and precious stones. And even today, when turmeric is replaced by cheaper and synthetic preservatives, scientists realize the importance of this plant in treating modern diseases.
Perhaps you know that turmeric is a main spice in carry. It has a worm, slightly bitter taste. It is used to color wide range of products: cheese, dry mixes, salad dressing, butter, margarine, beverages, baked products, dairy, ice cream, yogurts, yellow cakes, biscuits, popcorn, sweets, cake icing, cereal, sauces. Also its beautiful golden colour is used to dye wool and silk.
Benefits of turmeric is well known all over the world. The effectiveness of turmeric health benefits is comparable to pharmaceutical medicines. It has the following medical properties:
- alterative;
- analgesic;
- antibacterial;
- anti-inflammatory;
- anti-tumor;
- anti-allergic;
- anti-oxidant;
- antiseptic;
- antispasmodic;
- astringent;
- carminative;
- cholagogue;
- digestive;
- diuretic;
- stimulant;
- vulnerary.
It can also be used externally. People apply turmeric to the skin for pain, ringworm, bruising, leech bites, eye infections, inflammatory skin conditions, soreness inside of the mouth, and infected wounds. It can be taken in powder or pill form. But it’s better to use it as a spice in small doses. You can add it to your favorite dishes and it will protect your organism against a great number of diseases.
There are many simple turmeric recipes. Here is one of them:
HEALING TURMERIC MILK
Milk should not be mixed or eaten with sour, bitter, salty, astringent, or pungent tastes, combining with incompatible tastes, milk becomes indigestible and causes the build-up of harmful toxins in the body. Drink it at least one hour after your meal. Also it is recommended to drink worm milk, before the sunrise or after the sunset. In this time our digestive system accepts this drink better than in a daytime.
Combined with milk, turmeric is used as a drink, lotion or even a face mask. Both milk and turmeric are anti-oxidants. Turmeric milk helps fights free radicals that damage skin and make it lose its glow and elasticity.
How to cook:
A ½ to 1 inch piece of turmeric is boiled for a few minutes (up to 15 minutes) along with 8 ounces of milk until the milk is almost boiling. Strain out the turmeric and drink this milk after allowing it to cool for a few minutes.
To use as a mask or wash, take ¼ cup of whole milk and add to this ½ teaspoon ground turmeric. Take a clean washcloth, soak in the mixture and apply to affected skin. Leave it for 10 minutes before washing off.